Thursday, April 15, 2010

Osaka Himeji Free and Easy Day 1 part 2/3 ( April 3rd 2010 )

Before going to Himeji, we have decided to drop our luggage at the hotel Villa Fontaine Shinsaibashi in Osaka. We have decided to purchase the JR west pass for 4 days ( which cost 6000 yen per person ). This pass will provide faster access to Himeji , Kyoto and Nara. Since we are not staying on the JR train route, we will need to pay additional 460 yen per person to and fro the nearest JR station in Osaka which is Umeda, Shin Osaka and Tennoji.

Don't forget to print the map below which will come in handy prior to your trip to Kansai.

Pic 1 : Osaka JR & subway map

Upon arrival at Kansai airport , decide to settle down, collect some local information before proceeding to our hotel. Hence we took some photo surrounding the arrival gate. We also took the opportunity to take Osaka, Kyoto and Nara brochures and maps.

Pic 2: Arrival gate of the airport

Pic 3: Preview of where we are visiting in Kansai ( Himeji, Kyoto, Nara and Osaka )

Pic 4: Tourist information counter at Kansai Airport.

To access the JR & subway, you will need to go to level 2 and cross the sky link bridge which takes around 5 minutes

You can only purchase the JR west pass ( which is only eligible for tourist ) at the JR counter which is located in front of the machine. You will have to show proof of your passport and your departure plate ticket itinerary ( so do not forget to print it ) .

Pic 8: JR train to Kyoto

Pic 10: JR train destination at Kansai airport.

To get to our hotel ( which I have written in the hotel Villa Fontaine Shinsaibashi review ), you will need to get off at Tennoji and change to the Midosuji subway line.

Pic 11: Random photo at the basement of a shopping complex at Tennoji

We arrive the hotel around 11am and are not able to check in ( check in time in Japan is mostly at 3pm ) so freshen ourselves up and left our baggage at the hotel before planning our trip to Himeji.

Since it is almost close to 12pm, we decided to have a quick lunch at this sushi bar restaurant which is located just 2 -3 minutes walk at the shinsaibashi suji walk.

Pic 12: Lunch at Shinsaibashi Suji

Pic 13: Lunch at shinsaibashi Suji

Pic 14 : First sushi meal.

After lunch we headed off to Hiimeji which I will share in the 3rd post.